Obsessed with digital culture: writing on film, TV, music, and the internet

vic and bob

David Kear is a remarkably unique voice in British comedy. His principle character of Charlie Chuck is an unpredictable powder-keg of visceral joy. Often putting a dark twirl on commonplace Northern activities, his unhinged persona found laughs from discomfort years before better-known contemporaries. In the early 90’s, Kear began to accrue more mainstream fame through television. He first appeared to a wider audience, as Chuck, on Sky Star Search (in 1990), an odd little show fronted by James Whale.

The world of British comedy is a rabbit hole you can lose yourself in for life. Just following a list of long-gone essentials would keep you busy with viewing for some time. That doesn’t even mention the constant stream of new arrivals who, though watered down, keep us restocked year after year. There’s an even bigger wellspring of obscurity beyond the surface too, where the fourth wall is of no consequence. Editspotters, as they call themselves, have made it their solemn duty to explore this abundant vein of intrigue.

Considered an important part in the fight against bullshit and political correctness, editspotting keeps a keen eye on the divine hand behind our much beloved national comedies. …
[continue reading]

I’ve already written about Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer here, but this is a little different. After 25 years of a highly-influential career, the two British madmen are touring the country – for what appears to be one last time. As a fan of their work for almost as long as their inception, it was quite something to see a performance. Far older than the sprightly, young fellows we once knew, I couldn’t help some trepidation. Indeed, much of their oeuvre relies on the physical; the long and demented slapstick synonymous with their act. …
[continue reading]

Having already spotlighted what I consider to be their American counterparts in Tim Heidecker and Eric Wareheim, I thought it necessary that I give Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer the fore this week. Vic and Bob, to be blunt about my bias, are my absolute favourite comedians of all time; making it tough to employ brevity when discussing their innovations, chemistry and pure ability to cause laughter. Most will remember the duo for their madcap and subtly satirical Shooting Stars – the first and best of a string of inspired game shows. …
[continue reading]